Travellers heading between Nairobi and Mombasa have more train options this week after Kenya Railways announced three additional Madaraka Express services to meet the growing number of passengers seeking to travel along the route.
The extra trains will operate on Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with passengers able to choose from different departure times depending on their travel plans.
Kenya Railways said the special services have been made available for booking and asked members of the public to plan their journeys early.
The first additional train operated on Monday evening, departing from the Mombasa Terminus at 8.40 pm.
Two more services will run on Tuesday. The first will leave the Nairobi Terminus at 9.40 am, while the second will depart from the Mombasa Terminus at 4.30 pm.
The railway operator announced the additional trips in a public notice to passengers.
“Kenya Railways wishes to inform members of the public that additional special train services will be available for booking on August 31, 2026 and September 1, 2026,” the railway operator said.
The new trips give passengers travelling between the capital and the Coast more flexibility, especially those who may need to travel at times that are different from the regular train schedule.
Kenya Railways has advised those intending to use the additional services to reserve their seats early.
“Passengers are encouraged to make their bookings early and take advantage of the additional train services,” the notice said.
Passengers have also been warned to be careful when purchasing their tickets, with Kenya Railways advising them to rely on its official platforms and stations when making reservations.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and only book through our official Kenya Railways channels,” Kenya Railways said.
Those seeking tickets can make their reservations through the Kenya Railways online ticketing platform. They can also use the *639# USSD service to book their journeys.
Passengers who prefer making bookings in person can visit any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
The additional trips are expected to give passengers travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa more choice as they arrange their journeys.
The Madaraka Express continues to provide a rail link between Nairobi and the Coast, allowing passengers to travel between the two cities by train.
Kenya Railways has repeated its call for travellers to arrange their trips early, particularly those who want to use the special services announced for August 31 and September 1.
The operator has also asked passengers to avoid ticket sellers who are not authorised and instead use its official booking channels to protect themselves from fraudulent transactions.
Passengers using the additional trains have been advised to check their booking details and confirm their travel plans before setting out for the Nairobi or Mombasa termini.